Garage foundation block insulation.

[TRITC]

OK, so I'm in the process of insulating, rocking and heating my attached garage. Question is should I do anything with the foundation blocks? Fill them? Wrap them? Is it worth the hassle?

[upnorthvoice]

doing the perimeter block foundation with rigid foam during construction is the most effective way, however most owners/builders don't want the extra cost going in. Some owners will fill the blocks from the top with Styrofoam beads or something stuffed in the blocks. More than likely the garage foundation walls were not tared for damp proofing and moisture can enter the blocks by capillary action, so it a personal choice to insulate the blocks. Remember you aren't able to insulate the front garage door wall under the concrete apron so you will have thermal transfer there anyway.

With that, I wouldn't insulate the blocks unless you can spray foam the cores. In my garage I spray foamed the exterior walls and did nothing to the block foundation walls. I heat my garage with an electric 1500 watt heater set at half temp and keep it 50 degrees. I start heating the garage in late fall to keep the slab warm and that is a thermal mass which holds heat too.

[Pinusbanksiana]

I insulated the blocks on the inside of my garage using the 4x8 sheets of foam insulation cut down to fit. First I installed 2x2 treated along the floor, then furred out the sill plate, then cut the foam to fit. Then I nailed osb sheeting on it. Works great, but the furred out shelf is way too handy of a spot to set stuff and not put away!

[SFC]

I would spray foam the cores if u have access to them and the sill plate doesnt cover them completely.

[TRITC]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm leaning towards spray foaming the block cores. Any recommendations for a DIY'er. Buying a couple, or more, cases of The Great Stuff doesn't seem very efficient.

[Pinusbanksiana]

I wouldn't waste my time and money on foaming inside the blocks.

[SFC]

If money is the problem I wouldnt heat my garage.